First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a 50 - 43 percent lead over U.S. Rep. Rick
Lazio among New York State likely voters, the first candidate to hit the 50 percent mark,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

In a September 12 poll by the independent Quinnipiac University, Mrs. Clinton led Rep.
Lazio 49 - 44 percent among likely voters.

From September 20 - 25, Quinnipiac University surveyed 889 New York State likely
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.3 percent.

"What a difference a point makes. Mrs. Clinton went from 49 percent in the last
Quinnipiac University poll to the magic 50 percent mark today. Now she must hold on to that
50 percent for six more weeks," said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University
Polling Institute. "Most politicians and pundits think Lazio outpointed Clinton in the `soft
money' maneuvering, but voters still give her the edge in the Senate race."

Clinton's favorability among likely voters is 40 - 38 percent, with 21 percent mixed and
1 percent saying they don't know enough to form an opinion. This compares to a 39 - 39
favorability in the September 12 Quinnipiac University poll.

By a 33 - 29 percent margin, likely voters have a favorable opinion of Lazio, with 25
percent mixed and 13 percent saying they don't know enough to form an opinion. Lazio had a
32 - 27 percent favorability in the September 12 poll.

Forty-six percent of New York voters say they watched the Clinton-Lazio debate.

Debate-watchers say 44 - 34 percent that Clinton won.

By a 67 - 29 percent majority, New York voters say a candidate's position on the issues
is more important than a candidate's "experience and personal qualities," or "character."
Republicans are split: 50 percent prefer character while 48 percent prefer issues. Democrats go
with issues 78 - 19 percent and independent voters prefer issues 70 - 25 percent.

61 percent that Lazio is honest and trustworthy, compared to 45 percent who say Clinton is
honest and trustworthy;

66 percent that Lazio has a likable personality, while 61 percent say Clinton is likable;

72 percent that Lazio understands the issues and problems facing New York State, while 57
percent say Clinton understands New York issues.

By a 61 - 34 percent margin, voters say Clinton would do a better job on health care.

By a 58 - 38 percent margin, voters say Clinton would do a better job on education.

"New York likely voters think Clinton is closer to them on issues, but that Lazio better
understands the problems facing New York State," Carroll said. "This is Clinton's highest
grade for understanding New York issues and the first time she has broken 50 percent on the
question."

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, conducts public opinion
surveys in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a public service and for research.

8. Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change your mind
before the election?

... Likely Voters ....
Clinton Lazio
Voters Voters

Made up 75% 83%

Might change 24 16

DK/NA 1 1

9. Would you describe your support for Clinton/Lazio as strongly favoring
him/her, or do you like Clinton/Lazio but with reservations, or do you support
Clinton/Lazio because you dislike the other candidate?

... Likely Voters ....
Clinton Lazio
Voters Voters

Strongly favor 52% 46%

Like with
reservations 38 24

Dislike other
candidate 9 28

DK/NA 1 2

19. Which is more important to you when voting for United States Senator from
New York, the experience and personal qualities of the candidates or the
candidates' positions on specific issues?